It’s not uncommon for a neighbour or an acquaintance or a friend whose health condition improved after a few months of yoga practice. From medical conditions such as diabetes and arthritis to lifestyle problems such as sleeplessness and anxiety, yoga can be of significant help. If you are someone considering yoga for the first time, you would wonder how to learn yoga. Do you learn it yourself through online classes and books, or do you opt for a yoga class?
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If you can afford the cost and time for a yoga class, I suggest you go for a yoga class. However, finding a class that fits your needs the best can be a daunting task, especially for a beginner. So, if you want to join a yoga class but unsure of how to choose one, then read on.
To start with, ask yourself this question: The right fit – what does it mean for me?
To arrive at the answer, you might want to consider the following factors:
- Proximity
- Type of class
- Cost
The “right class” for you would be a combination of the above factors and maybe more as per your individual preferences and needs.
1. Proximity
Proximity plays a crucial role in identifying the right yoga studio. Because unless you feel it’s easy to fit the class into your routine, you might not be able to sustain it. So, google for “yoga classes near me” either based on your home address or office address, depending on which part of the day you intend to attend the sessions.
2. Type of classes
When you have your list of yoga studios based on the proximity criteria, check out what types of classes each offer. For a beginner, it is best to identify the ones that offer foundation classes. In such courses, the teacher typically gives more alignment cues for each pose instead of just mentioning each pose’s name.
But you can go ahead and consider any other types such as Hatha, vinyasa, yin, or hot yoga if the studio mentions the classes to be suitable for beginners. Most yoga centres would typically offer several types. And, it will be useful to try and identify the kind that suits you the best.
3. Cost
When it comes to the fee, each studio might have its policy. Check if it is a fixed monthly plan or a certain number of sessions with time validity. You will need to have a sense of the number of sessions you will attend in a week tentatively to take a suitable plan.
Typically, fixed monthly plans tend to be more expensive but allow unlimited access. So, this is ideal for those who intend to practice almost every day. If daily practice is not for you, look for a package that will enable you to access the studio for a specific number of sessions within the validity period that would offer you the flexibility.
Attend trial classes
Once you have narrowed down the list based on the factors discussed above, book trial yoga classes. While some may offer free, others may require a payment, but it will give you a sense of the available options. This exercise will also let you find something vital – whether you connect with the teacher!
Though the studios would have hired qualified instructors, how each of them conducts the sessions can vastly vary. You will realise you like some better than the others when you take your trial classes. So, when you find the person you think will help your practice to the next level, stick to your choice.
Happy yoga practising!!
Watch the video:
While you are searching for the right yoga class, you might also have several other questions related to yoga. Yoga instructor Rasika Sampath gives insightful answers to many such FAQs.
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